Alumawood Outdoor Living
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alumawood?
Alumawood is a brand of aluminum patio covers that mimic the look of traditional wood while offering the durability and low maintenance of aluminum. The Alumawood Outdoor Living brand is part of Four Seasons Building Products Group.
Alumawood was originally manufactured in the late 1980s by Amerimax Building Products.
What is an Equinox Louvered Roof, and how is it different from Alumawood?
An Equinox Louvered Roof is adjustable, allowing users to control sunlight and ventilation with motorized louvers.
Do Alumawood patio covers require permits for installation?
Yes, permits are required for any structure attached to your home as well as freestanding structure over 120 square feet. Some contractors may tell you that permits for patio covers are not required, they are incorrect and misleading you which may cause you issues in the future when you upgrade or sell your home.
What are the main types of Alumawood patio covers?
Alumawood patio covers come in three types: Solid Roof Newport Covers, which provide complete shade, Open Roof Laguna Arbor Lattice Covers, which allow filtered sunlight, and Insulated Roof Panels designed for enclosed patio covers.
How much does an Alumawood patio cover cost?
Costs vary depending on the size, type, and customization. The price range is typically $20.00 per SF plus options and permits.
Does SAE Builders offer Financing?
We offer flexible financing options for home improvement projects through Synchrony Financial. Whether you're replacing windows, adding a patio cover, or upgrading your home, our financing solutions help make your project more affordable. Contact us to learn more about available payment plans!
Is Alumawood more affordable than wood?
Yes, in most cases, Alumawood is less expensive than wood, while also being more durable and requiring less maintenance.
Do Alumawood patio covers increase property value?
Yes, adding a patio cover can increase your home's property value by making it more desirable to potential buyers.
Can you walk on an Alumawood patio cover?
No, Alumawood patio covers are not designed to support weight for walking. Insulated roof panels provide additional support but are also not designed to support walking and will most likely damage the sealant at joints causing water leaks.
How long does it take to install an Alumawood patio cover?
Installation can typically be completed in two to three days, depending on the complexity of the project. Projects that require concrete footings and steel structure may require additional time to install.
Do Alumawood patio covers require painting?
Alumawood is coated with a weather-resistant, anti-corrosive Aluma-Shield paint system with Teflon® additive that withstands the harshest conditions, including sun, rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
What colors are available for Alumawood covers?
Alumawood covers come in seven colors, including White, Desert Sand, Spanish Brown, Adobe, Mojave Tan, Graphite, and Black.
What kind of end cuts are available for Alumawood covers?
End cuts include Mitered, Flat Beveled, Corbel, and Scallop designs.
Are Alumawood patio covers customizable in size?
Yes, Alumawood covers can be customized to fit any patio size as well as custom designs
Are Alumawood covers resistant to rust?
Yes, since they are made of aluminum, they do not rust, making them an excellent choice for outdoor use.
Can you install fans or lights on an Alumawood patio cover?
Yes, Alumawood patio covers can be equipped with a reinforcement Mega-Beam to properly support fans and conceal wiring. Romex wiring should NEVER be used outdoors to supply power in an Alumawood patio cover; instead, UF or (Underground Feeder wire) should be used. THHN wire in an approved conduit is also an approved method when wiring an Alumawood patio cover.
Do Alumawood covers require a concrete slab?
A concrete slab is recommended unless properly sized concrete footings are used instead. Large Alumawood structures with increased post spacing or any Freestanding structure will require a significant concrete footing in addition to the concrete slab.
Are Alumawood patio covers considered energy-efficient?
They provide shade and can help regulate the temperature in your outdoor space, contributing to energy efficiency of your home.
Can you hang items like plants or lights from an Alumawood cover?
Yes, using products like Alumahanger, you can hang items without damaging the structure.
How long is the warranty for Alumawood patio covers?
Alumawood and Equinox products come with a limited lifetime warranty.
How to Maintain Your Alumawood Patio Cover
Moderate Dirt
An occasional washing with clear water using a garden hose and soft-bristled brush is recommended.
(A long-handled car-washing brush is ideal for this purpose.)
Heavier Dirt Accumulation
Wash in the manner indicated as above but use the following solution:
1/3 cup detergent (e.g. Tide® )
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate powder (also known as T.S.P.)
1 gallon water
Mildew Accumulation
Mildew can collect on surfaces of all types of building products and is often evident on surfaces that have not been properly maintained.
Normally, mildew will appear as black spots. Mildew is easy to remove by using the following cleaning solution:
1/3 cup detergent (e.g. Tide)
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate powder (also known as T.S.P.)
1 quart sodium hypochloride 5% solution (e.g. Clorox® )
3 quarts water
Introducing AlumaShine®
the world’s first cleaner made specifically for your Aluminum Patio Cover!
How AlumaShine® Works
AlumaShine® makes your patio cover look brand new again!
Our Earth-friendly formula is non-toxic and biodegradable makes it safe and easy to use.
Simply wet down your aluminum patio cover then apply AlumaShine® with our Ultimate Microfiber Tool, then spray clean with a garden hose.
Your patio cover will look refreshed, shiny & brand new!